Can't-miss: Ranking Miss P, Rita Marley's sister, makes revelations about the family and talks about reggae. See interview!

Marco: We know that Rita Marley is your older sister: Please, what could you tell us about your family (Your father Leroy, your mother...) ? Miss P: Yes, Rita Marley is my beloved older sister. My father – may God allow his dear soul to rest in peace. He was a great musician, his favorite instrument was the Saxophone. He played piano, guitar, drums and any other instrument, besides singing and composing songs as well. Dad was also an excellent carpenter, he made boats and exquisitely beautiful furniture. He was very polite, read a lot, highly educated and a very intelligent man. Dad was very quiet, and had a great sense of humor, there was always a kind word, a good joke or a friendly smile for everyone who knew him. He was loved by all. And we all miss him very much. My mother was a true angel and the person I love most in the whole world. She was kind, gentle, caring and generous with people. She cooked very well and was responsible for teaching most of the young men in the family to cook, so that now all of them (without exception) are Chefs in England, Canada and the United States. My older brother, Lepke is the founding member of the "Dread Broadcasting Corp", the first radio station owned by a black person in all of Europe. He is a visionary, and I am very proud of his achievements. I also have two lovely sisters: Diane and Jeanette, born in Sweden. They are successful musicians, writers and were part of the world-renowned Swedish Dance Company. Marco: Is it true that Rita was born in Cuba ? Miss P: Yes, Rita was born in Cuba. Marco: Is it true that Sharon Marley is not Rita Marley's daughter, but one of her sisters-in-law ? Miss P: No, that is a lie. Sharon Marley is Rita's daughter, and is my first niece. Marco: We know very little about Constantine "Vision" Walker: Could you tell us something about him ? Miss P: Constantine is a very talented singer, and one of our cousins. He sang at the beginning of Rita's career, before she met Bob, and continued singing with her after she met Bob as well. Marco: Did you personally meet Bob Marley ? If you did, what moved you most about him ? What is the memory you hold most dear ? Miss P: Yes, since Bob married my sister, I obviously met him on several occasions. I have a great number of memories of him, but what moved me most was his simplicity. He never turned away reporters, fans, anyone. Many times he and the Wailers would finish a show and cook together, sharing food with the people who gathered around him. What I remember most fondly was the day I met him. It was on "Kings Road", Chelsea – London, in the early 70s. I had the opportunity to meet the whole band afterwards, it was wonderful. Marco: And your relationship with Rita ? Miss P: I have spent quite a bit of time with my sister in Europe, Jamaica and Africa. Rita is a great source of inspiration for me as a sister and friend. She has a great sense of humor and a good understanding of human nature. I value her opinion and teachings very much. Rita has worked hard throughout her life, and currently she is the hardest-working woman I know. She is very much like my father in many aspects, especially kindness and gentleness – she never raises her voice. Rita is highly intelligent and sharp, just like Dad. She is the best wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend and sister anyone could wish to have. I am blessed that she is my sister, I love her very much. Marco: What is the future of Reggae ? We are seeing a lot right now of rap-reggae fusion... Miss P: The future of reggae is extremely bright. For many years Reggae fans asked for more recognition, marketing, etc. Now their dreams have been fulfilled... But, what is the price of that, you ask me ? With careful management and resources, as Tuff Gong, Jetstar and VP are doing, things could not happen in a better way. I see nothing wrong with fusing reggae with hip-hop. It was Jamaican Musicians interpreting after the war, jazz, boogie woogie and rhythm & blues, coming from North American radios that consolidated the foundation for what we today call reggae. From Jamaican boogie to ska to rock steady and reggae. The evolution of these three genres was first consolidated in Jamaican Sound-Systems and spread from there. All music is a living organism capable of taking on any style. Music can easily be influenced by the economy, politics and social changes, as well as by fashion or technology. Allowing music and its creators to experiment with new things and grow can only be a good thing. On my radio show we are playing songs from various artists, of all genres. Purists and traditionalists should not be afraid, reggae is alive, very consistent at every stage. Marco: What do you think of musicians and producers who take Marley's voice and make remixes, earning a lot of money from it ? Miss P: As long as his family is aware and in agreement, I see no problem at all. I think Bob would have loved to hear the remixed version of "Sun Is Shining". He would be very pleased to know that today's youth have been following his music. The new generations of Marley continue on the road spreading the message of their father and mother, with peace, love and unity, using conventional and traditional production techniques. The great thing about this is that they spread in their era, space and time the same messages in a modern way. I love it, much strength to them. Marco: Thank you very much Miss P: Thank you very much for the interesting questions. I wish you much success. Peace.

CREDITS

Original Source: "FROM BOBMARLEYMAGAZINE.COM" Interview Taken from Bob Marley Magazine: Translation and adaptation into Portuguese: Rafael Costa Acknowledgments: Vinicius – Lista Massivereggae